Subscription management in a media sharing service

ABSTRACT

Providing subscription management in local communication regions. Upon detecting a computing device of a user within a predefined proximity, a media server provides the user with access to a corresponding user profile maintained by a media service. The user profile includes subscription information defining access by the user to media content items available from the media service. The user creates or renews a subscription to the media service while connected to the media server, and subsequently receives media content items from the media service.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/475,314, filed Jun. 27, 2006, the entirety of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Digital media content such as audio, video, and images may be consumedby a user on a variety of devices such as personal computers, personaldigital assistants, portable digital media players, gaming consoles,mobile telephones, and the like. Digital media content is typicallyacquired by a personal computer accessing a digital media service viasubscription or pay-as-you-go service models, and then transferred to aportable media device for consumption by the user. The portable mediadevice does not have the standalone ability to access subscriptionservices (e.g., update subscription licenses, update playlists), obtainnew content, and/or generally interact with the digital media service.For subscription services, the lack of flexibility may interrupt accessto the digital media service (e.g., since monthly licenses are onlyrenewed during a certain period each month). If the user does notconnect back to the digital media service during this particular period,the subscription content on the portable media device stops working.

Further, with existing digital media services, it is not possible forthird parties to transfer promotional content onto a user's mediadevice. For example, for the user to listen on the user's media deviceto a compact disc (CD) offered for sale at a local coffee shop, the userhas to purchase the CD, take it home to a personal computer, copy thecontents of the CD to the personal computer, and then transfer the CDcontents from the personal computer to the media device. In addition,while at the local coffee shop, the user has no way to access additionalthird party services such as photo printing. In this example, the userhas to copy the photographs from media device to a CD or a flash memorydevice for transit to a photo store to print out the pictures.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention enable the creation or renewal of asubscription to a media sharing service. In an embodiment, a mediaserver detects and connects to a computing device within a localcommunication region. While connected, the media server offers thecomputing device access to one or more media content items availablefrom the media service. The media server receives an indication ofpayment from the user and provides one or more of the media contentitems to the computing device. The indication of payment corresponds,for example, to a new subscription or a renewal of access to the mediaservice.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

Other features will be in part apparent and in part pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a media serviceinteracting with a local network.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating communication betweena computing device and the media service.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of mediacontent sharing between two computing devices.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a peer-to-peerconnection between two computing devices within a local communicationregion.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a computing device user interfaceidentifying users that are near the computing device.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of a computing device user interfaceidentifying media service access zones that are near the computingdevice.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of a computing device user interfaceidentifying services offered by a particular media access service zone.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of a computing device user interfaceidentifying the media content items that are available to the computingdevice while connected to a media access service zone.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary screen shot of a user interface illustratingmetadata obtained from a plurality of users.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention enable subscription management in a mediasharing system. In a media sharing system, a media server in a localcommunication region provides access to a media service providing one ormore media content items. To a user, subscription management includescreating a new subscription, renewing an existing subscription (e.g., aperiodic subscription such as monthly), or the like. Alternatively or inaddition, subscription management includes enabling a pay-as-you-gomodel for accessing the media content items available from the mediaservice.

In an embodiment, the invention enables media content sharing betweenentities such as shown in FIG. 1. From a user perspective, a diversesocial network is developed and the chore of discovering digital mediacontent is reduced in a secure, legal, unobtrusive manner. Users arepresented with abundant and flexible options for customization andcontrol of discovery and distribution. For example, asynchronousdistribution transactions between users may occur with or without activeuser participation, allowing a user to manage disruptions associatedwith digital content discovery and distribution. In another example, auser may limit (or expand) participants with whom, and venues withinwhich, distribution transactions may occur.

Aspects of the invention enable transparent cross-pollination of users'media libraries with each other, and from other entities such as retailstores based on physical proximity (e.g., see FIG. 1). Media playerswith wireless networking connections may establish peer-to-peerconnections with each other and transfer content on behalf of the user.With aspects of the invention, individual users may act as disc jockeysby selecting music to promote by distributing it to others. As such,media content may be distributed in a viral way based on the medialibrary and preferences of users that come in proximity to each otherand other entities.

Referring first to FIG. 1, an exemplary block diagram illustrates amedia service 102 interacting with a local communication region 104 viaa network 103. In an embodiment, the local communication region 104 is awireless network located, for example, at a retail establishment such asa coffee shop or airport. Users connect to the local communicationregion 104 via computing devices 106 to initiate or renew subscriptionlicenses to the media service 102, access promotional content, updateplaylists, purchase media content, play games, and the like.

In an example, user profiles 112 stored by the media service 102 includea plurality of playlists. Users receive updated versions of theplaylists on their computing devices 106 each time the users connect tothe local communication region 104, if an updated version is available.In an embodiment, the playlists comprise metadata identifying a set ofmedia content items.

Users may also use the local communication region 104 to access thirdparty resources supported by an operator of the local communicationregion 104. The resources may include, for example, printing photographsor other data directly from the user's computing device 106 on a localnetwork printer 108, accessing the Internet, and projecting photographsand/or video to a wireless projector or display at the retailestablishment.

The media service 102 in FIG. 1 provides media content and relatedservices to local communication regions such as local communicationregion 104. Users subscribe to the media service 102 to have access tothe services offered by the media service 102. Subscribers to the mediaservice 102 may pay a monthly or yearly fee for access to the mediaservice 102. Alternatively, a pay-as-you-go model may be employed inwhich users pay on a per-transmission basis for access and connection tothe media service 102. In yet another embodiment, the media service 102is supported entirely or in part by advertisements inserted intotransmissions from the media service 102.

The media service 102 includes a memory area 110 storing user profiles112, media content items 114, and associated metadata 116. The userprofiles 112 include subscription information 118 describing the user'ssubscription to the media service 102 (e.g., renewal dates and type ofsubscription). In an embodiment, the subscription information 118 ispopulated upon creation of a new subscription for a user. For example,after connecting to the local communication region 104, the media server120 offers the computing device 106 access to the media content items114. Offering includes any form of presenting an opportunity for theuser to access the goods and services of the media service 102 via thelocal media server 120. For example, the local media server 120 mayprovide the computing device 106 with a user interface such as a popupwindow or dialog indicating that the media service 102 is available.Upon acceptance by the user of the offer (e.g., the user clicks on theappropriate prompt or clicks on a hyperlink), the computing device 106is able to access the media content items 114 from the media service 102via the local media server 120. In addition, the computing device 106may be able to access any services available from the local media server120 (e.g., printing, Internet access).

Upon receipt of an indication of payment from the user (e.g., viacomputing device 106), the subscription information 118 is populated.The indication of payment includes, for example, a credit card payment,a debit card payment, an electronic funds transfer, or other payment.

If the user is already a subscriber, a payment status associated withthe subscription information 118 is determined by the local media server120 by communicating with the media service 102. The payment statusindicates, for example, that the user account is paid-in-full, or abalance is due if continued access to the media service 102 is desired.The payment status also indicates whether a renewal is currentlyavailable to the user. After providing or presenting the payment statusto the user, the media server 120 receives an indication of payment fromthe user for access to the media service 102. In such an embodiment, theindication of payment represents a renewal to the subscription. Thesubscription information 118 is updated, and the media content items 114are available from the media service 102.

The media content items 114 include, but are not limited to, audio,video, still images (e.g., full- or partial-length songs and movies,video clips or shorts, recorded television, and product commercials),and a journal, history, or list of media content. In an embodiment, eachof the media content items 114 each has a digital rights managementpolicy associated therewith.

The metadata 116 describes the media content items 114 and includes, forexample, information related to album, artist, title, track, and albumart. While metadata 116 is described and shown as separate from themedia content items 114 in FIG. 1, some of the metadata 116 may be partof the media content items 114 (e.g., stored in a header). Further,while FIG. 1 illustrates the media content items 114 and metadata 116 asbeing stored in the memory area 110 local to the media service 102, themedia content items 114 and metadata 116 may be stored remotely from themedia service 102 and be part of a third-party system. In such anembodiment, the media service 102 has a relationship with, and accessto, the third-party system to provide the media content items 114 to thelocal communication region 104.

The exemplary local communication region 104 illustrated in FIG. 1includes a local media server 120 (e.g., a content distribution device)connected to the network 103 and to one or more wireless access points122. The network 103 links the local communication region 104 to themedia service 102 and, in an embodiment, to a wide area network such asthe Internet. The local media server 120 includes software forconnecting to the media service 102, software for connecting withcomputing devices 106, and, in an embodiment, a local copy of a contentcatalog downloaded from the media service 102. The content catalogreflects the media content items 114 that are available from the mediaservice 102. Devices connect to the wireless access point 122 whenwithin the local communication region 104. Exemplary devices includecomputing devices 106 such as computing device #1 through computingdevice #N, and the network printer 108. Exemplary computing devicesinclude a mobile telephone, a personal data assistant, a portabledigital media player, a laptop, and a personal computer. The computingdevices 106 include any device, or any physical or logical element ofsuch a device, separate from or included in other devices.

The local communication region 104 corresponds to any zone or networksuch as a media service access zone, local area network, wide areanetwork, or personal area network, and may include any number of devicestherein. For example, the local communication region 104 may includeonly two computing devices 106 (see FIG. 4). Wide area networks andlocal area networks are widely known. The personal area networkrepresents any technology or system usable for direct communicationbetween the computing devices 106 close to a particular person, device,or entity. An access point such as the wireless access point 122 may bepart of such communication in an embodiment, but is not required toenable such communication in other embodiments. Personal area networktechnologies or systems may be used to connect to other local areanetworks or wide area networks. The reach of a personal area network maybe a few meters. In an embodiment, the personal area network employs awireless cable replacement technology. Wireless cable replacementtechnologies are generally identified by the air interface protocolsused for communication between computing devices 106. Existing airinterface protocols include BLUETOOTH, Wireless USB, and variousproprietary protocols. Such air interface protocols may also be used tocreate wireless cable replacement topologies.

The local media server 120 in FIG. 1 includes a processor configured toexecute computer-executable instructions for connecting the computingdevices 106. In an embodiment, the processor operates to detect one ofthe computing devices 106 when the computing device 106 enters the localcommunication region 104 or otherwise comes within a predefinedproximity of the local media server 120 or the wireless access point122. The local media server 120 establishes a wireless connection to thedetected computing device 106 and receives a user identifier from theconnected computing device 106. The user identifier is used by the localmedia server 120 to authenticate, or enable the media service 102 toauthenticate, the user of the computing device 106. Authenticationincludes, for example, checking the subscription information 118 orother user profile information stored in the memory area 110 of themedia service 102 for the received user identifier. Establishing thewireless connection occurs, for example, without any user input, orwithout explicit user input. In an example, the user may have previouslyindicated a preference to connect upon entering a local communicationregion.

After authentication, the user has access to the media service 102(e.g., media content items 114) and to one or more of the local servicesoffered by the operator (e.g., printing). In an embodiment, the user hasaccess to only the services offered by the media service 102 that havebeen paid for by the user (e.g., as specified in the user profile 112)and any additional services offered by the operator of the localcommunication region 104.

While connection of the computing device 106 and authentication of theuser occurs automatically in an embodiment, such connection andauthentication may occur only in response to a specific request from theuser in other embodiments. In such embodiments, the operator broadcastsa list of services available within the local communication region 104.Responsive to a request from the user to connect, the local media server120 connects to the computing device 106, authenticates the user, andprovides access to the media service 102 and any available localservices.

The local media server 120 further operates to provide access, based onthe authentication status of the user (e.g., successfully authenticatedor not), to the memory area 110 associated with the media service 102for the particular user to update the subscription information 118stored in the user profile 112 associated with the particular user, oraccess any other service offered by the media service 102. The localmedia server 120 also provides one or more of the media content items114 and associated metadata 116 from the media service 102 to acomputer-readable medium associated with the computing device 106. Theone or more of the media content items 114 are selected by the operatorof the local communication region 104 based on customer demand (e.g.,interest, demographics, etc.). The selected media content items 114 areprovided to the computing device 106 with a digital rights managementpolicy associated therewith. For example, the policy allows threerenderings of each of the media content items 114 over three days,before the media content items 114 are erased from the computing device106 or otherwise rendered unplayable.

Aspects of the invention provide a subsequent purchase opportunity tothe user to purchase the media content items 114 sent to the computeddevice. The purchase opportunity may occur, for example, when the usersubsequently connects the computing device 106 to the Internet and viewsthe metadata 116 associated with the provided media content items 114.The purchase opportunity occurs within in the local communication region104, or outside the boundaries of the local communication region 104.

The operator or provider of the local communication region 104 (e.g., aretail establishment) provides access to the media service 102 forcustomers of the operator by acquiring a business subscription to themedia service 102. Such a subscription enables the operator to uniquelybrand the local communication region 104 (e.g., Joe's Coffee Shop MediaAccess Zone) for marketing purposes. For example, when a user enters thelocal communication region 104, the operator name and branding appear onthe user's computing device 106. In an embodiment, the operator streamsor downloads media content from the media service 102 to connectedcomputing devices 106. By subscribing to the media service 102, theoperator no longer needs to store local copies of the media content(e.g., compact discs, digital versatile discs) in an embodiment.Further, with access to the large repository of media content items 114from the media service 102, the operator may offer a large variety ofcontent to entice customers to visit or enter the local communicationregion 104. For example, the operator may target customers with selectedmedia content (e.g., jazz music at a coffee shop, easy listening musicat a winery, new age music at a candle shop, alternative rock at asnowboard store).

In addition, the operator is credited with a portion of the saleproceeds or otherwise rewarded by the media service 102 if the usersubsequently purchases any of the downloaded media content items 114.This may be accomplished by associating an identifier with the operator,and including this identifier with the media content items 114downloaded to the user's computing device 106. During a purchaseopportunity (e.g., when the computing device 106 is connected to anothercomputing device 106 such as a personal computer), the user views themetadata 116 associated with the downloaded media content items 114 andhas the ability to purchase any of the media content items 114. Inpurchasing the media content items 114, the metadata 116 associated withthe desired media content items 114 is sent to the media service 102along with the identifier of the operator of the local communicationregion 104 in which the promotional media content items 114 weredownloaded to the user's computing device 106. In this manner, theoperator is identified and rewarded by the media service 102 forintroducing the user to the purchased media content items 114.

Alternatively or in addition, the operator may transmit advertisementsto the connected computing devices 106 within the local communicationregion 104. The advertisements may be designed for rendering, forexample, before the content is consumed (e.g., at the beginning of musicplayback), after rendering completes, or at connection time. Forexample, when the user connects to the local communication region 104,the operator inserts a media advertisement that is presented to the userbefore the list of available services is displayed to the user. Inanother example, when the user selects an available service, theoperator inserts a media advertisement that is presented to the userbefore the selected service is provided. In yet another example, theoperator may insert advertisements at any point in the streaming ordownloading of the media content to the computing device 106.

Alternatively or in addition, the operator of the local communicationregion 104 may upload or otherwise identify selected media content items114 to the media service 102. The media service 102 then makes theselected media content available at all or selected local communicationregions related to the operator (e.g., all company-owned stores, orfranchised locations).

Referring next to FIG. 2, an exemplary block diagram illustratescommunication between a first computing device 202 and a media service204 (e.g., such as media service 102 in FIG. 1) via a second computingdevice 206. For example, the first computing device 202 represents aportable digital media player and the second computing device 206represents a personal computer. Such a configuration occurs when theuser of the first computing device 202 leaves a local communicationregion such as in FIG. 1 and connects the first computing device 202 tothe second computing device 206. The metadata received by the firstcomputing device 202 from the media service 204 while in the localcommunication region (e.g., FIG. 1) is synchronized with the secondcomputing device 206. The second computing device 206 connects to themedia service 204 via a network 208 such as the Internet. In thismanner, the user may purchase, via the second computing device 206, anyof the promotional media content items downloaded or streamed from themedia service 204. Alternatively or in addition, the first computingdevice 202 may establish a connection with the media service 204exclusive of the second computing device 206, and purchase the mediacontent items directly.

Referring next to FIG. 3, an exemplary flow chart illustrates operationof media content sharing. The operations illustrated in FIG. 3 may beperformed by a local media server such as shown in FIG. 1, or by acomputing device associated with a user in which media content is sharedbetween the computing devices of two users. At 302, the process loopsuntil a media device is detected. If a media device associated with auser is detected within a predefined proximity at 302, a wirelessconnection is established with the detected media device at 304.Authentication of the user is performed by determining at 306 is theuser of the media device is subscribed to the media service. If the useris not a subscriber, the process continues at 302. If the user isdetermined to be a subscriber at 306, one or more media content itemsare pushed or otherwise provided to the media device via the wirelessconnection at 308. In addition, metadata associated with the providedmedia content items is transmitted to the media device at 310. Asubsequent purchase opportunity is provided to the user to purchase thetransmitted media content items via the transmitted metadata. Thesubsequent purchase opportunity is provided independent of thepredefined proximity. For example, the purchase opportunity may occurwithin the predefined proximity or outside the predefined proximity. Ifa request to purchase the provided media content items is received at312, the purchase request is fulfilled at 314.

In an embodiment, a digital rights management policy is associated withthe media content items. In such an embodiment, transmitting the mediacontent items to the detected computing device includes transmitting themedia content items with the associated digital rights management policyassociated therewith to the computing device. A component of the digitalrights management policy may direct, for example, that the transmittedmedia content items are to be deleted or otherwise not renderable aftera particular date (e.g., an expiration date). While the media contentitems may be deleted, however, the metadata associated with the mediacontent items is not deleted and remains to enable the user to purchasethe media content items.

In a peer-to-peer embodiment, the operations illustrated in FIG. 3 areperformed by a first computing device. In particular, the firstcomputing device detects a second computing device within a predefinedproximity. The first computing device is associated with a first userand the second computing device is associated with a second user. Thefirst user is subscribed to the media service. The first computingdevice establishes a peer-to-peer wireless connection to the secondcomputing device responsive to detecting the second computing device.The first computing device determines if the second user is subscribedto the media content service. Such a determination occurs with orwithout a connection to the media service. For example, the firstcomputing device may interrogate the second computing device for a validcertificate or key (e.g., time-sensitive) which was provided to thesecond computing device upon subscription of the second user to themedia service. The first computing device has the capability to analyzethe certificate or key to determine if the second user is a currentsubscriber to the media service. If the second user is determined to bea subscriber to the media service, the first computing device shares oneor more media content items and associated metadata with the secondcomputing device via the established wireless connection. The sharingmay occur by streaming the media content items where, upon receipt(e.g., within the predefined proximity), the second computing devicerenders the streamed media content items to the second user.Alternatively or in addition, the sharing may occur by downloading themedia content items to the second computing device. The metadata may beused as a subsequent purchase opportunity for the second user topurchase the shared media content items (e.g., when connecting to apersonal computer connected to a network capable of accessing the mediaservice).

The metadata transmitted with the media content items describes themedia content items and describes the transaction. Such metadataincludes, but is not limited to, album, artist, title, track, and albumart. Further, metadata includes information about the distribution ofthe media content items: a date associated with transmission of themedia content item to the computing device, the parties involved in thetransmission, identification of the media content items transferred witha particular media content item, identification of a local communicationregion where the transmission took place, and the like. The metadata isused to select media content items for purchase as well as to identifythe party responsible for the promotional transmission of the mediacontent item (e.g., to reward or give feedback to the responsibleparty). The metadata may be stored with the media content items orstored separately (e.g., in a different folder).

Alternatively or in addition, the metadata includes actionable itemssuch as hyperlinks to enable purchase of one or more of the mediacontent items received during the encounter illustrated in FIG. 3.

In an embodiment, metadata is also stored on the transmitting user'scomputing device describing the transaction. For example, the metadataidentifies the user that received media content items, the localcommunication region where the media sharing occurred, and othertransaction information.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented with computer-executableinstructions performing operations such as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thecomputer-executable instructions may be organized into one or morecomputer-executable components or modules. Aspects of the invention maybe implemented with any number and organization of such components ormodules. Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to,routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures thatperform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.For example, aspects of the invention are not limited to the specificcomputer-executable instructions or the specific components or modulesillustrated in the figures and described herein. Other embodiments ofthe invention may include different computer-executable instructions orcomponents having more or less functionality than illustrated anddescribed herein. Computer-executable instructions implementing aspectsof the invention may be separate from, or included with, othercomputer-executable instructions executed by the computing device. Forexample, aspects of the invention may be implemented within a mediaplayer executing on the computing device, or as a separate programexecuting on the computing device.

Referring next to FIG. 4, an exemplary block diagram illustrates apeer-to-peer connection between two computing devices 402, 404. Inparticular, a first computing device 402 (e.g., a content distributiondevice) associated with a first user establishes a peer-to-peerconnection with a second computing device 404 (e.g., a portablecomputing device) associated with a second user. The connectionillustrated in FIG. 4 occurs within a local communication region 405.The peer-to-peer communication session represents any local,peer-to-peer physical or virtual connection between the computingdevices. The connection may be wired, wireless, or any combinationthereof, and may be implemented by one or more communication protocolsand/or bridging techniques for enabling communication between variousprotocols. Aspects of the invention as described herein are not limitedto any specific protocols or network layers, but are compatible via anabstraction layer (such technique is known in the art) to support anyprotocol or network layer.

The first computing device 402 has a media library 406, a list offavorites and preferences 408, a proximity search and connectivity agent410, and interfaces for connecting to other devices via, for example,wireless fidelity (WiFi) 412, BLUETOOTH 414, and other protocols ornetwork layers 416. The media library 406 identifies the media contentitems stored on the first computing device 402. In an embodiment, themedia library 406 is capable of resolving digital license issues such astransparently obtaining suitable license rights to playback contentreceived during a proximity distribution transaction. The secondcomputing device 404 has a similar set of components. Both the first andsecond computing devices 402, 404 broadcast their availability for mediasharing connections and scan for available devices (e.g., via theproximity search and connectivity agents such as proximity search andconnectivity agent 410).

The first user and second user each identify digital contentdistribution criteria or otherwise determine what media content to sharewith which other users. This information is stored, for example, in thefavorites and preferences components (e.g., favorites and preferences408). Examples of digital content distribution criteria include, but arenot limited to, information regarding one or more of the following:listening habits; purchasing habits; ratings; user-defined favorites;recently purchased content; user profiles (e.g., personal informationsuch as name, address, gender, and age); service profiles (e.g., whethera user has opted-in to participation local, peer-to-peer distributiontransactions and opt-in conditions, if any); user affiliations (e.g.,buddy lists); device-gathered location information; digital rightsmanagement information associated with the media content items (e.g.,whether a user has the right to distribute a particular media contentitem, or any restrictions on such rights); and other data. The digitalcontent distribution criteria may be combined (e.g., via Booleanoperands) to create expressions for evaluation when determining whetherto share media content items with a particular user. The digital contentdistribution criteria may also include or be affected by other criteriasuch as remaining memory storage and battery life of the device (e.g.,do not accept large songs, and do not exhaust the battery by acceptingcontent if the battery level is low). The set of media content items tobe shared may be user-defined, auto-generated based on other factors(e.g., listening habits), or a combination of both.

The first and second computing devices 402, 404 each continually orcontinuously scan to detect devices within a predefined proximity (e.g.,local communication region 405). In an implementation, detecting anothercomputing device includes implementing one or more features of a localnetworking service defined by the Universal Plug and Play peer-to-peerconnectivity architecture (“UPNP Architecture”). Alternatively or inaddition, detecting the computing device includes implementing one ormore features of a service defined by the Web Services Dynamic Discovery(“WS-Discovery”) protocol. This protocol defines how services arediscovered (e.g., by a simple network access protocol) on a localnetwork. Other implementations are also possible, such as customizedBLUETOOTH profiles, and Zero Configuration Networking (“ZeroConf”)techniques.

In an embodiment, detecting another computing device includesdiscovering, and determining the proximity of, potential participants acommunication session. Proximity determination includes one or moreacts, criteria, or the like for determining whether two computingdevices are available for communication (e.g., within a predefinedproximity or distance). Proximity may be defined as broadly or narrowlyas desired, encompassing everyone/every device or only select entitiesor devices. Proximity may be determined on a periodic basis, and mayresult in identification of a set of proximate devices and/or entities.In an embodiment, the boundaries of the local communication region 405define the limits of the predefined proximity. For example, whenever twocomputing devices are within the local communication region, proximityis deemed to exist.

In another example, proximity is deemed to exist when two or morecomputing devices are within static or dynamic physically definablesub-regions of the local communication region 405. Examples of static,physically definable sub-regions of the local communication region 405include particular geographical regions such as departments of retaillocations (e.g., music sales departments), streets, or buildings. Anexample of a dynamic, physically definable sub-region of the localcommunication region 405 includes a predetermined maximal distancebetween two computing device. Various commercially available systemsand/or products may be used for location determination. Such systemsand/or products are generally based on technologies such as globalpositioning system (GPS) technology, triangulation technology, signalstrength analysis technology, time-distance-of-arrival technology, orthe like.

Other circumstances under which two or more computing devices may bedeemed to be in proximity are defined by one or more logicalrelationships between the computing devices. For example, two computingdevices within the local communication region 405 or sub-regions thereofthat have predetermined zip codes, genders, ages, preferences (e.g.,music preferences), friends, or other logically relatablecharacteristics may be deemed to be in proximity.

After detecting each other, the first and second computing devices 402,404 each play a particular role in an exemplary transaction. Forexample, the first computing device 402 may take the role of a publisheragent and expose a set of media content items from the media library 406of the first user. The second computing device 404 may take the role ofa recipient agent. The first computing device 402 (e.g., publisheragent) selects one or more media content items from the media library406 based on the substance of the favorites and preferences component inthe second computing device 404 (e.g., an evaluation of the digitalcontent distribution criteria in the second computing device 404). Forexample, the first computing device 402 receives the digital contentdistribution criteria from the second computing device 404 uponestablishing the peer-to-peer connection. Media content items from themedia library 406 in the first computing device 402 that satisfy thecriteria from the second computing device 404 are identified andtransferred to the second computing device 404 over the establishedpeer-to-peer connection. In addition, metadata describing thetransferred media content items and describing the transaction are sentto the second computing device 404. For example, the metadata mayspecify that a particular song came from John's media library, and waspurchased by John from ACME Music Service.

The interaction described with reference to FIG. 4 is repeated as thefirst and second computing devices 402, 404 individually move from onelocal communication region (e.g., local communication region 405) toanother. The criteria defined in the favorites and preferencescomponents (e.g., favorites and preferences 408) of the two computingdevices may be met by other devices in some local communication regions,and not met in others.

FIG. 4 shows one example of a general purpose computing device havingone or more processors and a system memory. The computing devicetypically has at least some form of computer readable media. Computerreadable media, which include both volatile and nonvolatile media,removable and non-removable media, may be any available medium that maybe accessed by the computing device. By way of example and notlimitation, computer readable media comprise computer storage media andcommunication media. Computer storage media include volatile andnonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any methodor technology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data.Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includeany information delivery media. The modulated data signal has one ormore of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encodeinformation in the signal. Wired media, such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media, such as acoustic, RF,infrared, and other wireless media, are examples of communication media.Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope ofcomputer readable media.

Aspects of the invention include the computing device itself whenprogrammed according to the methods and techniques described herein.

Although described in connection with an exemplary computing systemenvironment, embodiments of the invention are operational with numerousother general purpose or special purpose computing system environmentsor configurations. The computing system environment is not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of anyaspect of the invention. Moreover, the computing system environmentshould not be interpreted as having any dependency or requirementrelating to any one or combination of components illustrated in theexemplary operating environments. Examples of well known computingsystems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable foruse with aspects of the invention include, but are not limited to,personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices,personal digital assistants, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumerelectronics, digital broadcast television recording devices, portabledigital media players, gaming consoles, mobile telephones, network PCs,minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environmentsthat include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Referring next to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of theinvention includes a computing device user interface 504 identifyingusers that are near the computing device 502. While the computingdevices illustrated in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 correspond toa portable digital media player, the user interfaces displayed thereinare applicable to any computing device (e.g., mobile telephone, personaldigital assistant, etc.). In FIG. 5, the user interface 504 displays theusers or device names that have been detected by the computing device502 and determined to be “nearby” or within a predefined proximity. Inthis example, the users or device names “Bill,” “Alfred,” “Henry,” and“Mildred” have been detected. The user of the computing device 502interacts with the user interface 504 to select one or more of thedisplayed users or device names to investigate media content stored onthe detected devices.

The user interface 504 in FIG. 5 appears when the user of the computingdevice 502 has set a preference or otherwise indicated that explicitconsent is required before media content sharing occurs between thecomputing device 502 and any of the detected devices.

Referring next to FIG. 6, an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of theinvention includes a computing device user interface 604 identifyingmedia service access zones that are near the computing device 602. Themedia service access zones or other local communication regions arelisted in the user interface 604 on the computing device 602. The userselects one or more of the proximal, detected zones via the userinterface and connects to the selected zone to access the servicesoffered by the selected zone.

Referring next to FIG. 7, an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of theinvention includes a computing device user interface 704 on a computingdevice 702 identifying services offered by a particular media accessservice zone. After selection of the zone (e.g., see FIG. 6), a list ofservices available within the selected zone is displayed on the userinterface 704. In this example, the user is able to listen to musicselected by the local zone, print a photograph locally, or connect tothe Internet.

Referring next to FIG. 8, an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of theinvention includes a computing device user interface 804 identifying themedia content items that are available to the computing device 802 whileconnected to a media access service zone. After selection of the ‘Listento Music’ service (e.g., see FIG. 7), the user interface 804 displays alist of the media content items that are available to the computingdevice 802. In the example of FIG. 8, the play icon or button (e.g.,triangle within a circle) next to a particular media content itemindicates that that media content item is available for streaming andimmediate rendering on the computing device 802. The download icon orbutton (e.g., arrow pointing down within a circle) next to a particularmedia content item indicates that a promotional copy of the mediacontent item is available for downloading and storage on the computingdevice 802. When the user selects a media content item that has bothicons, the user is given the choice of either streaming the mediacontent item or copying the media content item to their device 802. Ifonly one of the icons appears next to the media content item, theoperation corresponding to the appearing icon is automatically selected(e.g., “X&Y” by Coldplay will automatically be streamed upon selectionof this song by the user).

Referring next to FIG. 9, an exemplary screen shot 902 of a userinterface illustrates metadata obtained from a plurality of users. In anembodiment, the screen shot 902 corresponds to a journal or inbox withina media player. The contents of the screen shot 902 may be presentedwithin the context of any other application program including, forexample, an Internet browser, and may also be presented as a standaloneapplication program.

The screen shot 902 in FIG. 9 shows the encounters with other users thatthe user has had, along with a list of the media content items shared bythe other users. In this example, the user has had encounters withMediadude, Jeeters, and Marky Mark. Mediadude shared songs by AnnieLennox, U2, and Green Day. Jeeters shared songs by Coldplay. Marky Markshared songs by Green Day and Snow Patrol. Some of the songs have beenflagged by the user (e.g., as songs of particular interest).

A purchase opportunity is provided for several of the songs as shown inthe Action column. The “download” action indicates that the particularmedia content item was streamed to the user's device, and a copy isavailable for purchase and downloading. The “buy” action indicates thata local copy (e.g., promotional copy) of the particular media contentitem is stored on the user's computing device, but the digital rightsmanagement information associated with the particular media content itemindicates that a non-promotional copy of the particular media contentitem has not been purchased by the user. The “search” action indicatesthat the particular media content item is not available for purchasefrom the media service.

The following examples further illustrate aspects of the invention. In afirst example, the user receives streamed media content and subsequentlypurchases the streamed media content. In this example, the user connectsthe computing device to a local communication region at a coffee shop.The user views the selected services available at the coffee shop (e.g.,“The Roasted Bean”). The user previews promotional content beingstreamed by coffee shop over the local communication region. Metadatadescribing the streamed, promotional media content is copied to theuser's computing device along with an identifier associated with thecoffee shop (e.g., “The Roasted Bean”). The user leaves the coffee shop,thereby disconnecting from the local communication region.

At home, the user connects the computing device to a personal computerthat initiates a synchronization of the metadata from the computingdevice to the personal computer. After synchronization completes, theuser opens a journal or inbox (e.g., see FIG. 9) on the personalcomputer and navigates to the entry for the coffee shop. All the mediacontent that was streamed to the computing device while at the coffeeshop is listed with the option to purchase the streamed media content.The user selects a few of the media content items and purchases them.The purchase request, along with the identifier of the coffee shop, issent to the media service. The media service identifies that “TheRoasted Bean” coffee shop recommended the media content items to theuser, and credits a portion of the sale to the account of the coffeeshop. This account of the coffee shop may be related to the businesssubscription that the coffee shop has with the media service, or may bea separate rewards-style account associated with the coffee shop.

In another example, the user connects the computing device to a localcommunication region at a coffee shop. The user views the selectedservices available at the coffee shop (e.g., “The Roasted Bean”). Theuser selects to download promotional content available on the localcommunication region at the coffee shop. The content and associatedmetadata are copied to the user's computing device (e.g., to an inbox)along with an identifier associated with the coffee shop (e.g., “TheRoasted Bean”). The user may only consume the downloaded promotionalmedia content for a time period defined by the digital rights managementpolicy associated with the downloaded promotional media content. Afterthe time period expires, the copies of the downloaded promotional mediacontent stored on the computing device are deleted from the computingdevice or otherwise rendered not playable. The metadata, however,remains on the computing device to enable the user to subsequentlypurchase the media content.

The user leaves the coffee shop, thereby disconnecting from the localcommunication region. Outside the local communication region (e.g., on abus), the user browses the inbox on the computing device and opens theentry associated with “The Roasted Bean”. The downloaded promotionalmedia content is listed therein. The user selects a particular mediacontent item and begins playback of the item.

At home, the user connects the computing device to a personal computerthat initiates a synchronization of the metadata (but not the mediacontent items) from the computing device to the personal computer. Aftersynchronization completes, the user opens a journal (e.g., see FIG. 9)on the personal computer and navigates to the entry for the coffee shop.All the media content that was copied to the computing device while atthe coffee shop is listed with the option to purchase the downloadedmedia content. The user selects a few of the media content items andpurchases them. The purchase request, along with the identifier of thecoffee shop, is sent to the media service. The media service identifiesthat “The Roasted Bean” coffee shop recommended the media content itemsto the user, and credits a portion of the sale to the account of thecoffee shop. As with the previous example, this account of the coffeeshop may be related to the business subscription that the coffee shophas with the media service, or may be a separate rewards-style accountassociated with the coffee shop.

In yet another example, George and David are both near the same WiFihotspot in a coffee shop. David is using a portable media player thathas a manual mode and an automatic mode. In manual mode, David isalerted that his portable media player has detected George, and David isprompted to indicate whether he would like to receive digital contentavailable for distribution by George. For example, a reference to George(such as an avatar or screen name or the like) appears on David's userinterface, and David selects George via the user interface. David'sselection of George via the user interface results in media contentitems and associated metadata being transmitted from George's portablemedia player to David's portable media player.

In automatic mode, David is not alerted that his portable media playerhas detected George. Digital media content items available fordistribution by George are automatically transmitted, pushed, orotherwise sent from George's computing device to David's media player.The available digital media content items on George's computing deviceare identified for transmission by evaluating digital contentdistribution criteria associated with David's portable media playerand/or George's computing device. For example, David's portable mediaplayer automatically transmits the digital content distribution criteriato George's computing device such that George's computing deviceidentifies the media content items suitable for transmission to David'sportable media player. Alternatively or in addition, George's computingdevice identifies the media content items for transmission to David'sportable media player based on digital content distribution criteriaassociated with George's computing device.

The automatic and manual modes described in the above example correspondto consent models. Users may give explicit consent to receive any andall media content items from any user within the proximity, or may limitsuch consent by evaluating conditions to determine if consent is grantedin particular situations.

The figures, description, and examples herein as well as elements notspecifically described herein but within the scope of aspects of theinvention constitute means for sharing the media content items stored inthe memory area among the plurality of users, and means for updating thesubscription information stored in the user profiles.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in embodimentsof the invention illustrated and described herein is not essential,unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed inany order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the inventionmay include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein.For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing aparticular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after anotheroperation is within the scope of aspects of the invention.

When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or the embodimentsthereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

The word “exemplary” is intended to mean serving as an example,instance, illustration, or the like. Any implementation or aspectthereof described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstructed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations oraspects thereof.

It will further be understood that when one element is indicated asbeing responsive to another element, the elements may be directly orindirectly coupled.

Having described aspects of the invention in detail, it will be apparentthat modifications and variations are possible without departing fromthe scope of aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims.As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products,and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of theinvention, it is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

1. A system comprising: a memory area associated with a media service,said memory area for storing user profiles for a plurality of users andfor storing media content items each having a digital rights managementpolicy associated therewith, said user profiles including subscriptioninformation; and a processor remote from the memory area, said processorconfigured to execute computer-executable instructions for: detecting acomputing device within a predefined proximity, said computing devicebeing associated with a particular user; establishing a wirelessconnection to the detected computing device; enabling the media serviceto authenticate the particular user based on the user profiles stored inthe memory area; providing, based on the authentication by the mediaservice, access to the memory area for the particular user to update thesubscription information stored in one of the user profiles associatedwith the particular user; and providing, to a computer-readable mediumassociated with the computing device, one or more of the media contentitems stored in the memory area in accordance with the associateddigital rights management policy.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is further configured to provide the particular user withaccess to a printer local to the computing device for printing at leastone of the one or more of the media content items stored provided to thecomputer-readable medium.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprisingmeans for sharing the media content items stored in the memory areaamong the plurality of users.
 4. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising means for updating the subscription information stored in theuser profiles.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the user profilescomprise a plurality of playlists.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is further configured to execute computer-executableinstructions for updating the plurality of playlists upon connection tothe detected computing device.
 7. In a system having a media service forproviding media content items to users on a subscription basis, a methodcomprising: detecting, by a media server, a portable computing devicewithin a communication region local to the media server, said portablecomputing device being associated with a user, said media server beingconnected via a data communications network to the media service, saidmedia service storing subscription information for the user;establishing a connection to the portable computing device upondetection by the media server; determining a payment status associatedwith the subscription information by communicating with the mediaservice via the data communications network; providing the determinedpayment status to the user; receiving an indication of payment from theuser for access to the media service responsive to the provided paymentstatus; updating the subscription information with the receivedindication of payment; and providing one or more of the media contentitems to the portable computing device based on the updated subscriptioninformation.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the indication of paymentcomprises one or more of the following: a credit card payment, a debitcard payment, and an electronic funds transfer.
 9. The method of claim7, wherein the payment status indicates that a balance is due forcontinued access to the media service.
 10. The method of claim 7,further comprising enabling the media service to authenticate the userbased on the subscription information.
 11. The method of claim 7,wherein the media server is remote from the media service.
 12. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the received indication of payment representsa renewal to a subscription to the media service associated with theuser, and wherein determining the payment status comprises determiningif the subscription is available for renewal based on the subscriptioninformation associated with the user.
 13. The method of claim 7, whereinone or more computer-readable media have computer-executableinstructions for performing the method recited in claim
 7. 14. In asystem having a media service for providing media content items tousers, a method comprising: detecting, by a media server, a portablecomputing device within a communication region local to the mediaserver, said portable computing device being associated with a user,said media server being connected via a data communications network tothe media service; establishing a connection to the portable computingdevice upon detection by the media server; offering, to the portablecomputing device via the established connection, access to one or moreof the media content items available from the media service; receivingan indication of payment from the user responsive to the offered access;and providing one or more of the media content items to the portablecomputing device based on the received indication of payment.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising receiving from the user aselection of the media content items available from the media service,and wherein providing the one or more of the media content itemscomprises providing the selected media content items to the portablecomputing device.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein providing the oneor more of the media content items comprises streaming the media contentitems to the portable computing device or downloading the media contentitems to the portable computing device.
 17. The method of claim 14,wherein the provided one or more media content items represent aplaylist, and further comprising: providing metadata to the portablecomputing device describing the playlist. subsequently modifying theplaylist; and updating the provided metadata on the portable computingdevice to correspond to the modified playlist upon a subsequentconnection to the portable computing device.
 18. The method of claim 14,wherein establishing the connection to the portable computing deviceupon detection by the media server comprises establishing the connectionto the portable computing device without input from the user.
 19. Themethod of claim 14, wherein receiving the indication of payment from theuser responsive to the offered access comprises receiving the indicationof payment for a subscription to the media service.
 20. The method ofclaim 14, wherein one or more computer-readable media havecomputer-executable instructions for performing the method recited inclaim 14.